Esther Peña has been re-elected as the secretary general of the PSOE of Burgos with an impressive 97% backing from party members during the XIII Provincial Congress held on April 12, 2025. This strong support underscores her leadership within the party as she embarks on another term, aiming to mobilize the party for the upcoming regional and municipal elections in 2026.
Peña's re-election was marked by the presence of significant figures, including Pilar Alegría, the spokesperson for the Government of Spain and Minister of Education, and Carlos Martinez, the newly appointed leader of the PSOE of Castilla y León. Their attendance highlighted the unity and support within the party, reinforcing Peña's position as a key player in the regional political landscape.
During the congress, 71 out of 75 delegates cast votes in favor of Peña, with only two ballots left blank, indicating a solid consensus among the members. This overwhelming support reflects her ongoing influence and the trust placed in her leadership. "A new beginning" is how Peña described this moment, as she prepares to lead the PSOE of Burgos for the next four years.
In a notable shift within the party's executive structure, Álvaro Morales, a national deputy and former mayor of Briviesca, has been appointed as the new secretary of organization, replacing David Jurado, who will now head the Secretariat of Mobility and Infrastructure. This change is seen as a strategic move to bolster the party's organization at a critical time.
Peña's leadership team remains largely intact, with many familiar faces continuing in their roles. The executive committee saw only a few changes, with notable exits including Jesús Puente, who had been coordinating the regional efforts in Las Merindades, and Ángel Olivares, who stepped down as president, making way for Gerardo Triana, another veteran of the Burgos socialist scene.
Joining the executive is Nuria Barrio, who will serve as the Deputy Secretary of Coordination and Institutional Policy. Peña's decision to keep a stable team reflects her commitment to continuity and stability as the party gears up for the challenges ahead.
Looking forward, Peña emphasized the importance of mobilizing party members to ensure the PSOE can effectively challenge the Partido Popular (PP) in the forthcoming elections. "The debate that we need to win is with our coworkers, with our neighbors, at the bar counter," she stated, underscoring the grassroots approach she plans to take. She also warned against the rise of far-right politics, declaring that the ultraright must not prevail. "Seeing Santiago Abascal as vice president sends chills down my spine," she remarked, highlighting her concerns about the current political climate.
Peña pointed out that the only way to protect democracy is by isolating far-right elements within the political arena. She urged the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to seize the moment and prove its worth, especially after being left in a precarious position by its coalition partner, Vox, in Castilla y León. In Burgos, she noted that the party is setting the pace for local governance under the leadership of Mayor Cristina Ayala.
On the topic of infrastructure, Peña expressed pride in the progress made in Burgos, stating that the province has gained momentum and is moving forward without looking back. She highlighted advancements on key routes such as the A-12 and A-73, and the arrival of the high-speed train (AVE) as significant milestones. Peña even referenced a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the Direct Train line, indicating her proactive stance on improving local transport.
"The more our province advances, the more we are attacked," Peña asserted, reflecting her determination to defend her party's achievements against criticism. She believes it is time to strengthen the PSOE's project and to actively work towards victory in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that "the revolution in democracy is made in the Official State Bulletin."
As Esther Peña embarks on this new chapter, her focus remains clear: to galvanize the PSOE of Burgos, challenge the opposition, and ensure that the party's vision for the future resonates with voters. With a solid backing and a defined strategy, Peña is poised to lead her party through what could be a pivotal electoral season.
